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Been there done that w/our 2005 pilot and Starcraft 178rbl. Trailer gvwr matched the pilot towing capacity. I didn't even have enough capacity for a WDH which this setup needs. The pilot and the trailer were always arguing about who was in charge.

We drove separate cars and it was still a white knuckle drive. I learned several things in the nine months we owned the rig below are two most critical:

1-never trust the dealer to give you a safe setup. They are out to sell trailers. Always confirm weight specs as many routinely outline on this forum
2-don't exceed 80% of the vehicle towing capacity. You will need that extra 20% for safety margin.

Sadly I see pickups almost daily that are way overloaded like this pilot. There can't be that many good salesman. I tend to think many feel they know more than the engineers that set the limits. I can't tell you how many times I hear the justification that they "see others pulling with the same truck so it must be ok" as the excuse to go for it. The part that is the head scratcher for me is I don't understand why someone would kill their tow vehicle like that. Not to mention the white knuckle driving and safety issues for themselves and others on the road.

Towed a 23' TT with a '69 Buick GS 400, enough power but as was posted above, the TT and car wanted to argue about which was in charge! Next was a 3/4 ton PU with a 26' TT. Much better although the 350 CU engine was underpowered.

That's also why most manufacturers when it comes to listing weights and the like always error on the side of caution. They are aware of the many idiots who will push the envelope and do what these folks are doing.

That does not make it any smarter or better for the innocent ones but at least there is a safety margin built in to account for STUPID.

The travel trailer industry is the only manufacturer who always builds just on the "Edge of destruction." They are under capacity in the axle, tire and braking areas or very darn close to the edge with little to no margin for error or STUPID.

That's also why most manufacturers when it comes to listing weights and the like always error on the side of caution. They are aware of the many idiots who will push the envelope and do what these folks are doing.

That does not make it any smarter or better for the innocent ones but at least there is a safety margin built in to account for STUPID.

The travel trailer industry is the only manufacturer who always builds just on the "Edge of destruction." They are under capacity in the axle, tire and braking areas or very darn close to the edge with little to no margin for error or STUPID.

US RVers are paranoid. In the UK, it's common for people to tow 24' trailers with a Land Rover 90 or a car like a 2-liter Ford. My aunt and uncle towed an 18-footer all over Europe behind an Austin Cambridge (1.5L, 55 HP on a good day) for years without incident. They got overtaken frequently and were polite about pulling over to let people pass.

It's very rare to see a pick-up as a family vehicle over there, and there are virtually no US-style/size pickup trucks in the UK.

US RVers are paranoid. In the UK, it's common for people to tow 24' trailers with a Land Rover 90 or a car like a 2-liter Ford. My aunt and uncle towed an 18-footer all over Europe behind an Austin Cambridge (1.5L, 55 HP on a good day) for years without incident. They got overtaken frequently and were polite about pulling over to let people pass.

It's very rare to see a pick-up as a family vehicle over there, and there are virtually no US-style/size pickup trucks in the UK.

This must be why Jeremy, Richard, and James (Top Gear UK) all hate "caravans" with a passion.